Maharashtra Grants Legal Validity to Digital Land Records

The Maharashtra government’s Revenue Department announced on December 4 that digitally issued land records will now have full legal validity. The decision covers key documents such as 7/12 extracts, 8A financial records, and mutation entries.

Citizens can obtain these records through the state’s Bhulekh Mahabhumi portal for ₹15 per document. The initiative was announced by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

What Are 7/12 and 8A Extracts?

A 7/12 extract is an official land record issued by the Maharashtra Revenue Department that provides details of agricultural land. It includes ownership information, type of cultivation, area, crop details, and any encumbrances on the property.

This document is widely used as proof of land ownership and is essential for transactions, loans, and verification processes. The 8A extract complements the 7/12 by recording revenue assessments, taxes owed, and landlord-tenant structures, serving as a financial ledger for rural land holdings.

What Is a Mutation Record?

A mutation record documents changes in land ownership or rights after events such as sale, inheritance, gift, or partition. It updates government land records to reflect the new owner following a transaction.

While it is not a title deed, it is necessary for ensuring official revenue records accurately show who controls and pays taxes on a property. Banks and government authorities often require mutation records for verification during property-related processes.

Previously, citizens could download land records online, but these were considered informational and lacked legal validity. Such records could not be used for official purposes like loan processing or legal proceedings.

Under the new system, digitally downloaded land records will carry a QR code and a 16-digit verification number. These features make them fully valid for governmental, semi-governmental, banking, and judicial use.

Legal Framework and Implementation

According to the Revenue Department, computer-generated land records will be deemed certified true copies under Section 5 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This eliminates the need for manual signatures by talathis or other officials.

The state has directed collectors and divisional commissioners across Maharashtra to ensure immediate implementation of the decision. Citizens can access these digitally signed records through the Bhulekh Mahabhumi portal for a nominal fee of ₹15.

Read More: MHADA Announces Online Auction for 84 Commercial Properties.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra government’s decision to grant legal validity to digital land records marks a significant step in digitising property documentation. The move simplifies access to certified land records and reduces reliance on manual processes. With QR codes and verification numbers, these documents can now be used for official transactions, banking, and judicial purposes. Implementation across districts is expected to streamline land-related services for citizens.

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